Christmas at LDS Church historical sites and in the Holy Land

This week Mormon Times highlights Christmas at LDS Church historic sites from Sharon, Vt., to Nauvoo, Ill., and what the holiday season is like in the Holy Land.

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights have been put up. Trees are carefully trimmed. Nativity displays — both large and small — are arranged.

Grab a coat, scarf and gloves as it's a bit chilly outside.

But the destination isn't Temple Square.

LDS Church History sites that dot the eastern half of the United States all prepare for Christmas with lights, Nativity displays, music and other decorations and invite the surrounding communities to come celebrate the birth of the Savior and feel the spirit of the season.

So from, the 180,000 lights in Sharon, Vt., to the 700 Nativities on display in Kirtland, Ohio, and a bronze art exhibit in Independence, Mo., to horse-pulled tours of Nauvoo, Ill., and pioneer-era décor in Palmyra, N.Y., Mormon Times highlights what Christmas is like in those sites that have significance to Mormons.

Also, BYU professor Dan Peterson helps give insight to what the holiday season is like in the Holy Land — specifically in Bethlehem where Baby Jesus was born.